Barriers to Learning: Depression and Suicidal Tendencies

Comments (0)

Transcript of Barriers to Learning: Depression and Suicidal Tendencies

By: Virginia Thomas Barriers to LearningDepression & Suicical Tendencies Barriers to Learning Barrier to Learning: A factor, condition, or situation that obstructs or impedes academic progressCan be temporary (short-term or long-term) or permanentEffect of barrier(s) range from mild (lower grades) to severe (dropping out of school)Types of barriers: Academic (Learning Disorder) or Nonacademic (Emotional/Behavioral disorders; mental health difficulties) What is depression? Depression refers to a constellation of experiences including not just mood, but physical, mental, and behavioral experiencesThese experiences define more extended and impairing conditions that may be clinically diagnosed as depressionIs an affective disorder, which refers to an abnormal effect or mood as a defining feature for example, depressed mood, sadness, or feeling low are typical characteristics What causes depression? Depression does not have a single causeSome people have a family history of depressionYour environment, surroundings and life experiences may trigger depressionSpecifically chronic illness, a difficult home life, difficult social situation, school and learning problems, fear or worries, and sleep deprivation can cause depressionDepression does not discriminate based on social class, income, race, or gender There are many symptoms and people may experience one or more of these symptoms, you do not have to experience all symptoms to be classified as depressedSadnessFeeing anxious, empty, hopeless, guilty, worthless, helpless, irritable, or restlessLoss of interest in things you used to enjoyLack of energyProblems concentrating, making decisions, or remembering informationProblems falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too muchThoughts of suicide or suicide attemptsLoss of appetite What are symptoms of depression? Emotionally unstable, cries or is angered easilyExhibits attention-getting behaviors especially at bedtimeAvoids or seems uninterested in being around friendsDisinterest in schoolShows little interest in home life and conversation with parents or siblings What are some more symptoms of depression? Depression in Elementary School aged Children Children affected by depression will experience chronic feelings of sadnessAffects ability to form social relationship with peers and teachersA child may appear withdrawn and the mood problem may be perceived as disinterest in the classroomMay have difficulty sustaining energy needed to maintain performance throughout an entire school dayImpacts ability to concentrate and focus on classwork, homework, following directions and listeningChildren may not experience pleasure associated with positive school performance or the reward after good behavior from a teacherChildren will also typically have low self esteem even if they are performing well in school Depression in Middle School aged Children Many middle school children suffer from effects of depression in their schoolwork, social life and self esteemDepression is often mistaken for other issues such as ADD, eating disorders, laziness, or even rebellious behaviorSymptoms include decreased interests, frequent crying, low energy, feelings of guilt, extreme sensitivity to rejection, poor social relationships, destructive ideas, and talk of suicideChildhood stress may be caused by anxiety in social, school, and family situationsChildren and parents should seek treatment from a therapist or psychiatrist Teen Statistics Approximately 20% of teens will experience depression before adulthoodAs many as 8.3% of teens suffer from depression for at least one year at a time compared to 5.3% of the general populationEpisodes of teen depression generally last about 8 months but can be shorter or longer and vary in strength from mild to severeTeenage boys are less likely to seek help or recognize that they suffer from depressionLess than 30% of teens with depression get help, but 80% of teens with depression can be successfully treated if they seek help from a doctor or therapist Depression in College It is estimated that 15% of college aged students are suffering with depression, and 10% of students come to college with a history of depressionSometimes stress can be a cause of depression because these students often have more responsibilities, and are on their own for the first time in their livesAnother cause in college aged students is academic pressure, trying to keep up a certain gpa to keep scholarships can be very stressfulOne big problem with depression is sleep because it can be both a cause ad effect of the conditionStudents who don’t get enough sleep can experience depression as a side effect, but depression can also cause students not to sleep enoughIt is very important to recognize the signs of depression whether you’re a friend, resident assistant or teacher and get the student the help they need